Ukraine reserves public transport for vital workers

Ukraine on Monday limited public transport in Kiev to essential workers as part of new measures to prevent of the spread of the coronavirus.

Ukraine has recorded 73 cases of COVID-19, and three deaths, with most cases centralised in the capital.

Public transport is reserved for workers vital to Kiev's "critical infrastructure", mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said, specifying "those who work in hospitals, law enforcement agencies, grocery stores, pharmacies".

Kiev residents are still allowed to use private transport, but officials in Kiev have urged Ukrainians to stay at home.

Two police officers checked work certificates as dozens of passengers waited to board public transport on the outskirts of Kiev Monday, an AFP journalist reported, after the new measures were announced over the weekend.

Ukraine has already imposed dramatic restrictions to prevent the spread of the virus, last week shutting metro stations, bars, restaurants and malls throughout the country.

The government earlier banned events of more than 10 people and has closed schools and universities.

In Monday's video, Klitschko asked Kiev residents unite "to overcome this challenge".

© 2020 AFP